‘Standing Up’ Stands Out by Jacob Harman
November 12, 2013 12:55 pm | 3 Comments
I recently saw a new release pop up in my Netflix list by the name of Standing Up. The movie poster had two geeky looking kids on the front, much like me at that age, so I figured I’d give it a shot. Ninety minutes later, I wasn’t disappointed in my choice.
Standing Up is a coming of age story, set at a summer camp in 1984. It revolves around two main characters, Howie and Grace. Both characters are on the nerdy side, with big glasses and messy hair. Clearly they have never run with the popular crowd. The two teens are separately taken to ‘Goat Island’ by the popular kids, a small island about a mile from the camp.
Once there, each kid is bullied pretty badly, and the popular kids take the canoes and leave. Howie eventually finds Grace, hiding in a small cabin, and they hatch their plan. Each having been bullied, neither wanting to go back to camp, they set forth on an adventure of sorts, leading down a road filled with self-discovery, interpersonal relationships, and that awkward first romantic moment we all have in eighth grade.
I would personally give this movie a Taste It, because I live for coming of age stories. I strongly related to this movie, having been bullied pretty badly myself, so I connected with the characters. While I never went on an adventure like they did, there were moments that we’ve all experienced in our lives: the first dance, the moments leading to a first kiss, the first time having to be strong on your own, and learning to trust someone new.
Story aside, this was a beautifully shot movie, with an equally well put together soundtrack. The characters’ wardrobe was spot on, but not so ‘nerdy’ that it was in your face. There was even a scene where the nerdy girl ends up in ‘popular’ kids’ clothing, and wonders if she looks like ‘one of them’.
The movie is based on the book ‘The Goats’ by Brock Cole, which I now plan on reading. It is directed by D.J. Caruso and stars Annalise Basso and Chandler Canterbury as Grace and Howie. A surprising member of the cast is a former Batman by the name of Val Kilmer. Our no longer caped crusader plays the role of a creepy deputy, and his character is a sketchy one.
Again, I give this movie a strong taste it. It will most likely bring back old memories while telling a heartwarming story with a surprisingly happy ending.
Tags: jake harman, standing up review
Categorised in: Movie Reviews
This post was written by David Griffin
More from this guy please!